The Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja heard conflicting election results presented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday.
INEC submitted certified results, while APC polling unit agents presented various results from the areas they represented. Despite objections from different parties, the tribunal’s chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, admitted the conflicting results as exhibits for consideration during the petition’s hearing.
Former Minister of Petroleum Timipre Sylva and the APC filed a petition against INEC, the elected Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, his Deputy Lawrence Ewhirujakpo, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The petitioners argue that the election took place in three local government areas, although INEC claims it did not occur due to alleged diversion of materials and disruptions in the election process.
The affected local governments are southern Ijaw, Ogbia, and Nembe. An APC polling unit agent, Odungele Moses, presented a result from his polling unit, claiming it was issued by the INEC presiding officer. However, during cross-examination, the witness admitted that only APC signed the result he tendered, without providing reasons why other parties did not sign.
Another witness, Mallory Afin, submitted APC results with the same serial number and accredited voters as INEC’s, but with different recorded votes for various parties. Cross-examination revealed that the results tendered by APC in Ward 002 were prepared and signed by the same presiding officer for Ward 015.
The tribunal adjourned the matter for further hearing until 15th February.
